Funding & Growth Opportunities

Community Transition Playbook Now Available

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Community and Worker Economic Transition Office has introduced a new Community Transition Playbook to help communities plan for and respond to economic change.

The playbook provides guidance for local leaders and community partners working to build stronger local coalitions, develop economic growth and resilience plans, and prepare for potential disruptions such as business closures, downsizing, or the loss of a major employer.

The resource is intended to support communities as they address both immediate challenges and long-term economic impacts, while helping workers, businesses and families adapt to a changing economy.

Business & Development News

Lumberman’s Mercantile Awarded Match on Main Grant

Congratulations to Lumberman’s Mercantile on being selected as a recipient of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main Grant program!

Located at 701 E. Midland Street, Lumberman’s Mercantile will receive $25,000 through the Michigan Strategic Fund to support continued improvements and growth. In total, 69 small businesses across Michigan were supported by this initiative.

This investment highlights the important role small businesses play in strengthening Bay City’s local economy and enhancing vibrant commercial districts like Midland Street.

*Photo provided by MLive

City of Bay City DDA Seeks Proposals for

Downtown Parking Study

The City of Bay City Downtown Development Authority is seeking proposals for a Comprehensive Downtown Parking Study and Electronic Parking System Assessment.

The selected firm will provide a data-driven evaluation of downtown parking conditions and recommend a long-term operational and technology strategy.

Proposals are due Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Proposals must be submitted both electronically through BidNet Direct and as a sealed paper copy delivered to the DDA Office, 101 1st Street, Bay City, MI.

Proposal documents, addenda, and electronic submissions will be managed through BidNet Direct. Vendors are responsible for registering at BidNetDirect.com and checking for any addenda issued prior to submission.

Delta College Expands Affordable Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree

Delta College’s new 3+1 transfer agreement with Central Michigan University creates another affordable and flexible path for students in the Great Lakes Bay Region to earn a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

Through the partnership, students can complete up to three years at Delta before finishing their final year online through CMU. This helps students save money, stay close to home, and continue balancing work and family while advancing their education. By making degree completion more accessible, this pathway supports local talent development and helps strengthen the future workforce for our region.

*Photo provided by Delta College

Bipartisan Legislation Supports MI Tri-Share

Child Care Program

Michigan lawmakers are advancing bipartisan legislation to make the MI Tri-Share Child Care Program permanent in state law. The program helps eligible employees reduce child care costs by splitting expenses between the employee, employer, and state, while giving businesses another tool to attract and retain talent. Since 2021, MI Tri-Share has helped families save more than $14 million in child care costs and is now available in all 83 Michigan counties.

*Photo provided by MiLeap

Bay County Health Department Opens New Location

The Bay County Health Department is officially open and ready to serve the community at its new location, 4150 Wilder Road in Bay City.

The department became fully operational in the new space on Monday, June 15. Community members can now visit the new location for clinical services, environmental health permits, and other public health needs.

The move marks an important investment in accessible, community-centered public health services for Bay County residents. The Bay County Health Department team is ready to welcome visitors and continue supporting the health and well-being of the community from its new home.

Michigan Data Center Development Report Released

A new independent analysis from Public Sector Consultants, commissioned by the Michigan Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, outlines how Michigan can responsibly compete for data center investment. The report highlights potential economic benefits such as new investment, skilled trades jobs, local tax revenue, and digital infrastructure growth, while also addressing community concerns around utilities, water use, land use, transparency, and environmental stewardship.

Workforce & Talent

City of Bay City Opportunity

The City of Bay City is hiring an Economic Development Program Manager to support business growth, redevelopment projects, brownfield and environmental programs, grant writing, and community partnerships.

This role is a great opportunity for a motivated professional who is passionate about helping Bay City continue to grow and thrive.